Pole Lathe

This is one of the few machines that ancient man had to assist him. It is man powered, and is used to rotate a material, allowing the use of a tool to shape the material. The motive power is a foot, with a return spring (the pole) to counter rotate the work. The piece of material is placed between two metal points, with one end of the lathe being adjustable. The cord is wrapped around the work in such a way as to make the work rotate towards the user when the treadle is pressed down. The tool, a chisel, is rested on the tool rest, with the point near the work. As the treadle is pressed down, the cutting edge is pushed against the work. As the treadle is released, and the pole rises, the work rotates in the opposite direction, and the chisel is pulled back away from the work. A rhythm is built up, with a cut on the down, and a pull on the up. By moving the chisel around, the material is shaped.

	This is a pole lathe in use. One foot is used to pump the treadle, whilst the hands control the cutting tool.
An overall view of the whole machine. The pole, supported with the cross-sticks, provides the return spring for the lathe. The lathe in this case is built into the building. There is a cord running from the top of the pole, down to the lathe, around the work, and then down to the treadle.
	This shows how one end of the lathe is built into the building, and the other end (the right hand end) is on an adjustable slide to accomodate varying lengths of work.
A back view of the lathe, with the tool rest visible, and lower down, the stick which is used as the treadle.
	A closer view of the adjustable end, with the cord around the end of the work.
This view shows the method of wedging the adjustable end of the lathe. (inside view)
	A closer view from the outside.
A shave horse. An early work-mate. It is used to hold work still, whilst it is pre-shaped prior to going on the lathe.